> Katanga Mining announces first copper production through new Solvent Extraction plant and converted Electro-Winning facility

Katanga Mining announces first copper production through new Solvent Extraction plant and converted Electro-Winning facility

Friday, Dec 21, 2012

ZUG, Switzerland, Dec. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Katanga Mining Limited (TSX: KAT) ("Katanga" or the "Company") today announces the successful production of the first copper cathodes from the newly commissioned facilities as part of the Updated Phase 4 Expansion programme. The new facilities include the first Solvent Extraction ("SX") train with an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes of copper and the first 144 Electro-Winning ("EW") cells with an annual capacity of 40,000 tonnes of copper.

The Updated Phase 4 project which commenced in Q3/2011 will enable Katanga to both increase total processing capacity as well as upgrade the quality of copper produced through the application of modern technologies and processes.

Mechanical completion of the Updated Phase 4 Expansion is expected in the third quarter of 2013.

Previously, Katanga's production has been significantly impacted by power disruptions in the region. As mentioned in the publication of the Q3 / 2012 results, the new convertor, as part of the World Bank power project, and the new synchronous condenser, as part of the refurbishment of the DRC's power systems, were expected to be commissioned during the fourth quarter of 2012. These new power facilities have been confirmed in operation as of 17 December 2012 andwill help to increase and stabilise power capacity in the region. With theinstalled convertor and condenser, the DRC electricity provider, La Société Nationale d'Electricité ("SNEL") will be in a position to increase electricity transmission from the Inga power plant by 100MW (from 140MW to 240MW), therefore improving the reliability of supply to Katanga's operations.

About Katanga Mining Limited

Katanga Mining Limited operates a major mine complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo producing refined copper and cobalt. The Company has the potential to become Africa's largest copper producer and the world's largest cobalt producer. Katanga is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol KAT.